South Sound Times

Gov. Jay Inslee's extended COVID-19 restrictions face a growing number of objectors who now include the Lewis County prosecuting attorney and sheriff. 

The opponents say the governor's restrictions are "too burdensome" for enforcement at the local level, despite the state, much like the rest of the nation, is experiencing a dramatic increase in COVID-19 positive cases and deaths. 

In a letter sent to the governor, Prosecuting Attorney Jonathan Meyer and Sheriff Robert Snaza wrote Washington should provide state police if it wants the restrictions enforced, Q13 Fox Seattle reported. 

"In addition to state-imposed mandates, Lewis County has seen increases in domestic violence, drug abuse, drug-related deaths, suicides, homelessness and myriads of other physical health, mental health and crime-related issues," the Lewis County officials wrote, Q13 Fox Seattle reported. "These additional stressors on already limited resources requires Lewis County to best allocate resources and prioritize our responses."

Washington's latest constraints ban indoor dining at eateries, regulate most other indoor activities, and restrict wedding and funeral receptions to 30 people.

To date, Lewis County has had 2,186 cases — a daily average of 70 new positives in the last seven days — with 1.1% resulting in death, The New York Times COVID tracker shows. Statewide, The Times tracker reported that Washington recorded 2,628 cases on Dec. 23, with 31 fatalities and 774 hospitalizations.